Redmond
Stargazing Guide.
Just 7.6 miles from the center of Redmond, lies some of the region's best viewing at Big Rock Park. We feature instrumented readings from Obstruction Point to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Redmond
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Big Rock Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~7.6 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Obstruction Point as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Seattle Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Redmond offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Redmond acts as a primary gateway to the Big Rock Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Obstruction Point just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Redmond
Observation in Redmond is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Redmond Observers
If you're visiting Big Rock Park, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in WA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Obstruction Point (61.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Redmond
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Redmond environment.
Big Rock Park
" Practically in Redmond's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
Paramount School Park
" Practically in Redmond's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Redmond observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Redmond observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Covington Community Park
" Heading out from Redmond toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Redmond
Rural conditions near Redmond provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Redmond
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Redmond nights in our observer field kit.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Redmond, Obstruction Point serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Perhaps an area 30 degrees in diameter near the zenith offers reasonable visual observations. Otherwise the sky is very modified by light pollution. ZLM 6.9 with difficulty, the eastern sky must be shielded by the ridgetop to achieve this as it definitely affects scotopic vision. The treeless ridge is easy to navigate by the light of the sky. Milky Way easily seen near the zenith,but loses its character rapidly approaching the horizon. Fog appears to move in in early morning through the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the northern Puget Sound area, suppressing light pollution and significantly improving the sky quality."
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Redmond, Burroughs Mountain serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Dark Sky Oasis near Redmond
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Redmond, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Redmond observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Redmond
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Forest Observer profile.
Gearing Up for Redmond Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Redmond means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Redmond early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Redmond Field Kit
Every observer in Redmond eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Big Rock Park sitting at a ~8-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Redmond.